Influenza progresses in Europe: there is still time to take preventive measures against it

25 Jan 2011

Today, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published its initial Risk Assessment on this season’s influenza in Europe. The report analyses the main features, risks to human health and likely course of the 2010/2011 influenza season in Europe.

This is an especially important season as it is the first one after the pandemic. This year, while most people experienced a mild disease when infected, a significant number of deaths and severe cases have been reported in association with influenza in the first affected countries. In England, the peak was reached when, in one single day, for every 100,000 citizens, 1.4 were hospitalised in intensive care units suffering from influenza. In Ireland, the peak was reached when of every 100,000 citizens, 1.1 were hospitalised in intensive care units in one day.

The Risk Assessment identifies important differences between the current and past influenza seasons. People in the clinical risk groups defined at national level, which for this influenza season are predominantly people with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women, are being particularly affected by more severe ill-health and premature deaths as a result of influenza. However, surveys undertaken by the Member States and ECDC indicate that many of those at highest risk across Europe have not yet been vaccinated.

ECDC Director Marc Sprenger stressed: "Even in the middle of the influenza season, many preventable severe influenza cases and fatalities can still be avoided through vaccination. Therefore, it is extremely important that people in the risk groups who have not already been vaccinated seek the advice of their national authorities about influenza prevention. Being more vigilant over personal hygiene measures, such as washing hands frequently or avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth are also very useful strategies in preventing the spread of influenza infection".

The good news is that both the seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines are working very well in preventing infection and premature deaths. ECDC’s Risk Assessment highlights the multiple scientific studies that indicate seasonal influenza vaccines are effective and very safe. ECDC has now confirmed through a study recently conducted in seven EU Member States that the pandemic influenza vaccine can provide up to 80% protection against the pandemic influenza strain, which continues to be the most important cause of severe influenza this season. According to the study, protection against the pandemic influenza strain is provided as soon as one week after vaccination.